Eugene claims NWL title with 2-1 win over Everett

EUGENE – Yeiler Peguero drove in Robert Garcia with a two-out single in the bottom of the fifth inning to lead the Eugene Emeralds to a 2-1 victory over the Everett AquaSox in the championship game of the Northwest League on Tuesday.

Eugene, which posted the best overall record in the NWL this season, won the championship series 2-1.

The Emeralds took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning when Wladimir Galindo led off with a single and later scored on a two-out single by Kevonte Mitchell.

Everett pulled even in the top of the fifth. Dimas Ojeda singled to right field with one out, moved to third on a two-out single by Bryson Brigman and scored on Kristian Brito’s single to left.

Manuel Rondon picked up the victory for Eugene. He allowed one run on six hits and two walks in five innings of work. Duncan Robinson, Michael Knighton and Wyatt Short combined to throw four shutout innings to complete the win.

Reggie McClain took the loss for the AquaSox, a farm team of the Seattle Mariners. McClain allowed two runs on five hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings.

Everett lost despite outhitting the Emeralds 9-6 on the night. Eugene won a league-best 54 regular-season games.